View source for Paper 164 - At the Feast of Dedication

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==PAPER 164: AT THE FEAST OF DEDICATION==

164:0.1 As the camp at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] was being [[established]], [[Jesus]], taking with him [[Nathaniel]] and [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], [[secretly]] went up to [[Jerusalem]] to attend the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_the_Dedication feast of the dedication]. Not until they passed over the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan] at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethabara Bethany ford], did the two [[apostles]] become [[aware]] that their [[the Master|Master]] was going on to [[Jerusalem]]. When they [[perceived]] that he really [[intended]] to be present at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_the_Dedication feast of dedication], they remonstrated with him most [[earnestly]], and using every sort of [[argument]], they sought to dissuade him. But their [[efforts]] were of no avail; [[Jesus]] was [[determined]] to [[visit]] [[Jerusalem]]. To all their entreaties and to all their [[warnings]] [[emphasizing]] the [[folly]] and [[danger]] of placing himself in the hands of the [[Sanhedrin]], he would reply only, " I would give these [[teachers]] in [[Israel]] another [[opportunity]] to see the [[light]], before my hour comes. "

164:0.2 On they went toward [[Jerusalem]], the two [[apostles]] continuing to [[express]] their [[feelings]] of [[fear]] and to [[voice]] their [[doubts]] about the [[wisdom]] of such an apparently [[presumptuous]] undertaking. They reached [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho Jericho] about half past four and [[prepared]] to lodge there for the night.

==164:1. STORY OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN==

164:1.1 That evening a considerable company gathered about [[Jesus]] and the [[two]] [[apostles]] to ask questions, many of which the [[apostles]] answered, while others [[the Master]] discussed. In the [[course]] of the evening a certain lawyer, seeking to entangle [[Jesus]] in a [[compromising]] [[disputation]], said: " Teacher, I would like to ask you just what I should do to inherit eternal life? " Jesus answered, " What is [[written]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah the law] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Prophets the prophets]; how do you [[read]] the [[Scriptures]]? " The lawyer, knowing the [[teachings]] of both [[Jesus]] and the [[Pharisees]], answered: " To love the Lord [[God]] with all your [[heart]], [[soul]], [[mind]], and [[strength]], and your [[neighbor]] as yourself. " Then said [[Jesus]]: " You have answered right; this, if you really do, will lead to life everlasting. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_10]

164:1.2 But the lawyer was not wholly [[sincere]] in asking this question, and [[desiring]] to [[justify]] himself while also [[hoping]] to [[embarrass]] [[Jesus]], he ventured to ask still another question. Drawing a little closer to [[the Master]], he said, " But, Teacher, I should like you to tell me just who is my [[neighbor]]? " The lawyer asked this [[question]] hoping to entrap [[Jesus]] into making some [[statement]] that would contravene the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Law Jewish law] which defined one's [[neighbor]] as " the children of one's people. " The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] looked upon all others as " [[gentile]] dogs. " This lawyer was somewhat familiar with [[Jesus]]' teachings and therefore well knew that [[the Master]] thought differently; thus he [[hoped]] to [[lead]] him into saying something which could be construed as an [[attack]] upon the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Law sacred law].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_10]

164:1.3 But [[Jesus]] [[discerned]] the lawyer's [[motive]], and instead of falling into the trap, he [[proceeded]] to tell his hearers a [[story]], a story which would be fully [[appreciated]] by any [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho Jericho] [[audience]]. Said [[Jesus]]: " A certain man was going down from [[Jerusalem]] to Jericho, and he fell into the hands of [[cruel]] brigands, who robbed him, stripped him and beat him, and departing, left him half [[dead]]. Very soon, by [[chance]], a certain [[priest]] was going down that way, and when he came upon the wounded man, seeing his sorry plight, he passed by on the other side of the road. And in like manner a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levite Levite] also, when he came along and saw the man, passed by on the other side. Now, about this time, a certain [[Samaritan]], as he journeyed down to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho Jericho], came across this wounded man; and when he saw how he had been robbed and beaten, he was moved with [[compassion]], and going over to him, he bound up his [[wounds]], pouring on oil and wine, and setting the man upon his own beast, brought him here to the inn and took care of him. And on the morrow he took out some [[money]] and, giving it to the [[host]], said: `Take good care of my [[friend]], and if the expense is more, when I come back again, I will repay you.' Now let me ask you: Which of these three turned out to be the [[neighbor]] of him who fell among the robbers? " And when the lawyer [[perceived]] that he had fallen into his own snare, he answered, " He who showed [[mercy]] on him. " And [[Jesus]] said, " Go and do likewise. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_10]

164:1.4 The lawyer answered, " He who showed [[mercy]], " that he might refrain from even speaking that odious [[word]], [[Samaritan]]. The lawyer was [[forced]] to give the very answer to the question, " Who is my [[neighbor]]? " which Jesus wished given, and which, if [[Jesus]] had so stated, would have directly involved him in the charge of [[heresy]]. [[Jesus]] not only confounded the dishonest lawyer, but he told his hearers a [[story]] which was at the same time a [[beautiful]] [[admonition]] to all his followers and a stunning [[rebuke]] to all [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] regarding their [[attitude]] toward the [[Samaritans]]. And this [[story]] has continued to promote brotherly [[love]] among all who have subsequently [[believed]] the [[gospel]] of [[Jesus]].

==164:2. AT JERUSALEM==

164:2.1 [[Jesus]] had attended the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_Tabernacles feast of tabernacles] that he might [[proclaim]] the [[gospel]] to the [[pilgrims]] from all parts of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire empire]; he now went up to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_the_Dedication feast of the dedication] for just one [[purpose]]: to give the [[Sanhedrin]] and the Jewish [[leaders]] another [[chance]] to see the [[light]]. The principal [[event]] of these few days in [[Jerusalem]] occurred on Friday night at the [[home]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus]. Here were gathered [[together]] some twenty-five Jewish [[leaders]] who believed [[Jesus]]' teaching. Among this group were fourteen men who were then, or had recently been, members of the [[Sanhedrin]]. This meeting was attended by Eber, [[Matadormus]], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_of_Arimathea Joseph of Arimathea].

164:2.2 On this occasion [[Jesus]]' hearers were all [[Intellectual|learned]] men, and both they and his two [[apostles]] were [[amazed]] at the breadth and depth of the remarks which [[the Master]] made to this distinguished [[group]]. Not since the times when he had taught in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], [[Rome]], and in the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_130_-_On_the_Way_to_Rome#PAPER_130:_ON_THE_WAY_TO_ROME islands] of the [[Mediterranean]], had he exhibited such [[learning]] and shown such a grasp of the affairs of men, both [[secular]] and [[religious]].

164:2.3 When this little meeting broke up, all went away [[mystified]] by [[the Master]]'s [[personality]], [[charmed]] by his [[gracious]] [[manner]], and in [[love]] with the man. They had sought to advise [[Jesus]] concerning his [[desire]] to win the remaining members of the [[Sanhedrin]]. [[The Master]] [[listened]] attentively, but [[silently]], to all their [[proposals]]. He well knew none of their [[plans]] would [[work]]. He surmised that the [[majority]] of the Jewish [[leaders]] never would [[accept]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]]; nevertheless, he gave them all this one more [[chance]] to [[choose]]. But when he went forth that night, with [[Nathaniel]] and [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], to [[Sleep|lodge]] on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount of Olives], he had not yet decided upon the [[method]] he would pursue in bringing his [[work]] once more to the [[Attention|notice]] of the [[Sanhedrin]].

164:2.4 That night [[Nathaniel]] and [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] [[slept]] little; they were too much [[amazed]] by what they had heard at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus]'s house. They [[thought]] much over the final remark of [[Jesus]] regarding the offer of the former and present members of the [[Sanhedrin]] to go with him before the seventy. [[The Master]] said: " No, my brethren, it would be to no [[purpose]]. You would multiply the [[wrath]] to be visited upon your own heads, but you would not in the least mitigate the [[hatred]] which they bear me. Go, each of you, about [[the Father]]'s business as [[Thought Adjuster|the spirit]] [[leads]] you while I once more bring [[the kingdom]] to their notice in the [[manner]] which my [[the Father|Father]] may direct. "

==164:3. HEALING THE BLIND BEGGAR==

164:3.1 The next [[morning]] the three went over to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha Martha]'s [[home]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany] for breakfast and then went [[immediately]] into [[Jerusalem]]. This [[Sabbath]] morning, as [[Jesus]] and his two [[apostles]] drew near the [[temple]], they encountered a well-known [[beggar]], a man who had been born blind, sitting at his usual place. Although these mendicants did not solicit or [[receive]] [[alms]] on the [[Sabbath]] day, they were [[permitted]] thus to sit in their usual places. [[Jesus]] paused and looked upon the [[beggar]]. As he gazed upon this man who had been [[born]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness blind], the [[idea]] came into his [[mind]] as to how he would once more bring his [[mission]] on [[earth]] to the notice of the [[Sanhedrin]] and the other [[Jewish]] [[leaders]] and religious [[teachers]].

164:3.2 As [[the Master]] stood there before the blind man, engrossed in deep [[thought]], [[Nathaniel]], [[pondering]] the possible [[cause]] of this man's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness blindness], asked: " Master, who did [[sin]], this man or his [[parents]], that he should be born blind? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_9]

164:3.3 The [[rabbis]] taught that all such cases of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness blindness] from [[birth]] were caused by [[sin]]. Not only were [[children]] conceived and born in [[sin]], but a child could be born blind as a [[punishment]] for some specific [[sin]] committed by its [[father]]. They even taught that a child itself might [[sin]] before it was [[born]] into the world. They also taught that such [[defects]] could be caused by some [[sin]] or other indulgence of the [[mother]] while [[Pregnant|carrying the child]].

164:3.4 There was, throughout all these regions, a lingering [[belief]] in [[reincarnation]]. The older [[Jewish]] [[teachers]], together with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Plato], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo], and many of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essenes Essenes], [[tolerated]] the [[theory]] that men may reap in one [[incarnation]] what they have sown in a previous [[existence]]; thus in one life they were [[believed]] to be expiating the [[sins]] committed in preceding lives. [[The Master]] found it [[difficult]] to make men [[believe]] that their [[souls]] had not had previous [[existences]].

164:3.5 However, inconsistent as it seems, while such [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness blindness] was supposed to be the result of [[sin]], the [[Jews]] held that it was meritorious in a high [[degree]] to give [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alms alms] to these blind [[beggar]]s. It was the [[custom]] of these blind men constantly to [[chant]] to the passers-by, " O tenderhearted, gain merit by [[assisting]] the blind. "

164:3.6 [[Jesus]] entered into the [[discussion]] of this case with [[Nathaniel]] and [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], not only because he had already [[decided]] to use this blind man as the means of that day bringing his [[mission]] once more prominently to the notice of the [[Jewish]] [[leaders]], but also because he always [[encouraged]] his [[apostles]] to seek for the true [[causes]] of all [[phenomena]], [[natural]] or [[spiritual]]. He had often [[warned]] them to avoid the common [[tendency]] to assign [[spiritual]] causes to commonplace [[physical]] [[events]].

164:3.7 [[Jesus]] [[decided]] to use this [[beggar]] in his [[plans]] for that day's [[work]], but before doing anything for the blind man, Josiah by name, he proceeded to answer [[Nathaniel]]'s [[question]]. Said [[the Master]]: " Neither did this man [[sin]] nor his [[parents]] that the works of [[God]] might be [[manifest]] in him. This [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness blindness] has come upon him in the [[natural]] [[course]] of [[events]], but we must now do the [[works]] of Him who sent me, while it is still day, for the night will certainly come when it will be impossible to do the [[work]] we are about to [[perform]]. When I am in the world, I am the [[light]] of the world, but in only a little while I will not be with you. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_9]

164:3.8 When [[Jesus]] had spoken, he said to [[Nathaniel]] and [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]]: " Let us create the [[sight]] of this blind man on this [[Sabbath]] day that the [[scribes]] and [[Pharisees]] may have the full occasion which they seek for [[accusing]] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man]. " Then, stooping over, he spat on the ground and mixed the [[clay]] with the [[spittle]], and [[speaking]] of all this so that the blind man could hear, he went up to Josiah and put the clay over his sightless eyes, saying: " Go, my son, wash away this [[clay]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_of_Siloam pool of Siloam], and [[immediately]] you shall [[receive]] your [[sight]]. " And when Josiah had so washed in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_of_Siloam pool of Siloam], he returned to his [[friends]] and [[family]], seeing.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_9]

164:3.9 Having always been a [[beggar]], he knew nothing else; so, when the first excitement of the [[creation]] of his [[sight]] had passed, he returned to his usual place of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alms alms]-seeking. His [[friends]], [[neighbors]], and all who had known him aforetime, when they [[observed]] that he could see, all said, " Is this not Josiah the blind [[beggar]]? " Some said it was he, while others said, " No, it is one like him, but this man can see. " But when they asked the man himself, he answered, " I am he. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_9]

164:3.10 When they began to [[inquire]] of him how he was able to see, he answered them: " A man called [[Jesus]] came by this way, and when talking about me with his [[friends]], he made [[clay]] with [[spittle]], anointed my eyes, and directed that I should go and wash in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_of_Siloam pool of Siloam]. I did what this man told me, and [[immediately]] I [[received]] my [[sight]]. And that is only a few hours ago. I do not yet know the [[meaning]] of much that I see. " And when the people who began to gather about him asked where they could find the [[strange]] man who had [[healed]] him, Josiah could answer only that he did not know.

164:3.11 This is one of the strangest of all [[the Master]]'s [[miracles]]. This man did not ask for [[healing]]. He did not [[know]] that the [[Jesus]] who had directed him to wash at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_of_Siloam Siloam], and who had [[promised]] him [[vision]], was the [[prophet]] of [[Galilee]] who had [[preached]] in [[Jerusalem]] during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_Tabernacles feast of tabernacles]. This man had little [[faith]] that he would [[receive]] his [[sight]], but the people of that day had great [[faith]] in the efficacy of the [[spittle]] of a great or [[holy]] man; and from [[Jesus]]' [[conversation]] with [[Nathaniel]] and [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], Josiah had concluded that his would-be [[benefactor]] was a great man, a learned [[teacher]] or a [[holy]] [[prophet]]; accordingly he did as [[Jesus]] directed him.

164:3.12 [[Jesus]] made use of the clay and the [[spittle]] and directed him to wash in the [[symbolic]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_of_Siloam pool of Siloam] for [[three]] reasons:

164:3.13 1. This was not a [[miracle]] [[response]] to the [[individual]]'s [[faith]]. This was a [[wonder]] which [[Jesus]] chose to [[perform]] for a [[purpose]] of his own, but which he so arranged that this man might derive lasting benefit therefrom.

164:3.14 2. As the blind man had not asked for [[healing]], and since the [[faith]] he had was slight, these [[material]] [[acts]] were suggested for the [[purpose]] of encouraging him. He did [[believe]] in the [[superstition]] of the [[efficacy]] of [[spittle]], and he knew the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_of_Siloam pool of Siloam] was a semisacred place. But he would hardly have gone there had it not been [[necessary]] to wash away the [[clay]] of his [[anointing]]. There was just enough [[ceremony]] about the [[transaction]] to induce him to [[act]].

164:3.15 3. But [[Jesus]] had a third [[reason]] for resorting to these [[material]] means in [[connection]] with this [[unique]] [[transaction]]: This was a [[miracle]] wrought [[purely]] in [[obedience]] to his own [[choosing]], and thereby he [[desired]] to teach his followers of that day and all subsequent ages to refrain from despising or neglecting [[material]] means in the [[healing]] of the [[sick]]. He wanted to teach them that they must cease to regard [[miracles]] as the only [[method]] of curing [[human]] [[diseases]].

164:3.16 [[Jesus]] gave this man his [[sight]] by [[miraculous]] working, on this [[Sabbath]] [[morning]] and in [[Jerusalem]] near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple the temple], for the prime [[purpose]] of making this [[act]] an open [[challenge]] to the [[Sanhedrin]] and all the [[Jewish]] [[teachers]] and religious [[leaders]]. This was his way of [[proclaiming]] an open break with the [[Pharisees]]. He was always [[positive]] in everything he did. And it was for the [[purpose]] of bringing these matters before the [[Sanhedrin]] that [[Jesus]] brought his two [[apostles]] to this man early in the afternoon of this [[Sabbath]] day and [[deliberately]] provoked those [[discussions]] which compelled the [[Pharisees]] to [[Attention|take notice]] of the [[miracle]].

==164:4. JOSIAH BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN==

164:4.1 By midafternoon the [[healing]] of Josiah had raised such a [[discussion]] around [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple the temple] that the [[leaders]] of the [[Sanhedrin]] [[decided]] to [[convene]] the [[council]] in its usual [[temple]] meeting place. And they did this in [[violation]] of a standing rule which [[forbade]] the meeting of the [[Sanhedrin]] on the [[Sabbath]] day. [[Jesus]] knew that [[Sabbath]] breaking would be one of the chief [[Arrest|charges]] to be brought against him when the final test came, and he [[desired]] to be brought before the [[Sanhedrin]] for [[adjudication]] of the charge of having [[healed]] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness blind] man on the [[Sabbath]] day, when the very session of the high [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_court Jewish court] sitting in [[judgment]] on him for this [[act]] of [[mercy]] would be [[Deliberation|deliberating]] on these matters on the [[Sabbath]] day and in direct [[violation]] of their own self-imposed [[laws]].

164:4.2 But they did not call [[Jesus]] before them; they [[feared]] to. Instead, they sent forthwith for Josiah. After some preliminary questioning, the spokesman for the Sanhedrin (about fifty members being present) directed [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_164#164:3._HEALING_THE_BLIND_BEGGAR Josiah] to tell them what had happened to him. Since his [[healing]] that [[morning]] Josiah had [[learned]] from [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], [[Nathaniel]], and others that the [[Pharisees]] were [[angry]] about his [[healing]] on the [[Sabbath]], and that they were likely to make trouble for all concerned; but Josiah did not yet [[perceive]] that [[Jesus]] was he who was called [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Deliverer]. So, when the [[Pharisees]] questioned him, he said: " This man came along, put [[clay]] upon my eyes, told me to go wash in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_of_Siloam Siloam], and I do now see. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_9]

164:4.3 One of the older [[Pharisees]], after making a lengthy [[speech]], said: " This man cannot be from [[God]] because you can see that he does not [[observe]] the [[Sabbath]]. He [[violates]] the [[law]], first, in making the [[clay]], then, in sending this [[beggar]] to wash in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_of_Siloam Siloam] on the [[Sabbath]] day. Such a man cannot be a [[teacher]] sent from [[God]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_9]

164:4.4 Then one of the younger men who [[secretly]] believed in [[Jesus]], said: " If this man is not sent by [[God]], how can he do these things? We know that one who is a common [[sinner]] cannot [[perform]] such [[miracles]]. We all know this [[beggar]] and that he was [[born]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness blind]; now he sees. Will you still say that this [[prophet]] does all these [[wonders]] by the [[power]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beezlebub prince of devils]? " And for every [[Pharisee]] who [[dared]] to [[accuse]] and denounce [[Jesus]] one would arise to ask [[entangling]] and [[embarrassing]] [[questions]], so that a serious division arose among them. The presiding officer saw whither they were drifting, and in order to allay the [[discussion]], he [[prepared]] further to question the man himself. Turning to Josiah, he said: " What do you have to say about this man, this [[Jesus]], whom you claim opened your eyes? " And Josiah answered, " I [[think]] he is a [[prophet]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_9]

164:4.5 The [[leaders]] were greatly [[troubled]] and, knowing not what else to do, [[decided]] to send for Josiah's [[parents]] to [[learn]] whether he had [[actually]] been born [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness blind]. They were loath to [[believe]] that the [[beggar]] had been [[healed]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_9]

164:4.6 It was well known about [[Jerusalem]], not only that [[Jesus]] was denied entrance into all [[synagogues]], but that all who [[believed]] in his teaching were likewise cast out of the [[synagogue]], [[excommunicated]] from the congregation of [[Israel]]; and this meant [[denial]] of all [[rights]] and [[privileges]] of every sort throughout all Jewry except the right to buy the [[Necessity|necessaries]] of life.

164:4.7 When, therefore, Josiah's [[parents]], [[poor]] and [[fear]]-burdened [[souls]], appeared before the august [[Sanhedrin]], they were [[afraid]] to [[speak]] freely. Said the [[spokesman]] of the [[court]]: " Is this your son? and do we [[understand]] aright that he was born [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness blind]? If this is true, how is it that he can now see? " And then Josiah's [[father]], seconded by his [[mother]], answered: " We know that this is our son, and that he was [[born]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness blind], but how it is that he has come to see, or who it was that opened his eyes, we know not. Ask him; he is of age; let him [[speak]] for himself. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_9]

164:4.8 They now called Josiah up before them a second time. They were not getting along well with their [[scheme]] of holding a [[formal]] [[trial]], and some were beginning to feel [[strange]] about doing this on the [[Sabbath]]; accordingly, when they recalled Josiah, they attempted to ensnare him by a [[different]] mode of [[attack]]. The officer of the [[court]] spoke to the former blind man, saying: " Why do you not give [[God]] the [[glory]] for this? why do you not tell us the whole [[truth]] about what happened? We all know that this man is a [[sinner]]. Why do you refuse to [[discern]] the [[truth]]? You know that both you and this man stand [[convicted]] of [[Sabbath]] breaking. Will you not [[atone]] for your [[sin]] by acknowledging [[God]] as your [[healer]], if you still claim that your eyes have this day been opened? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_9]

164:4.9 But Josiah was neither dumb nor lacking in [[humor]]; so he replied to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_court#Officers_of_a_beth_din officer of the court]: " Whether this man is a [[sinner]], I know not; but one thing I do [[know]]—that, whereas I was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind blind], now I [[see]]. " And since they could not entrap Josiah, they sought further to [[question]] him, asking: " Just how did he open your eyes? what did he [[actually]] do to you? what did he say to you? did he ask you to [[believe]] in him? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_9]

164:4.10 Josiah replied, somewhat impatiently: " I have told you exactly how it all happened, and if you did not [[believe]] my [[testimony]], why would you hear it again? Would you by any [[chance]] also become his [[disciples]]? " When Josiah had thus spoken, the [[Sanhedrin]] broke up in [[confusion]], almost [[violence]], for the [[leaders]] rushed upon Josiah, [[angrily]] exclaiming: " You may talk about being this man's [[disciple]], but we are disciples of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], and we are the [[teachers]] of the [[laws]] of [[God]]. We know that God spoke through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], but as for this man [[Jesus]], we know not whence he is. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_9]

164:4.11 Then Josiah, standing upon a stool, shouted abroad to all who could hear, saying: " Hearken, you who claim to be the [[teachers]] of all [[Israel]], while I [[declare]] to you that herein is a great [[marvel]] since you [[confess]] that you know not whence this man is, and yet you know of a [[certainty]], from the [[testimony]] which you have heard, that he opened my eyes. We all know that [[God]] does not [[perform]] such works for the ungodly; that [[God]] would do such a thing only at the request of a true [[worshiper]]—for one who is [[holy]] and [[righteous]]. You know that not since the beginning of the world have you ever heard of the opening of the eyes of one who was [[born]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness blind]. Look, then, all of you, upon me and [[realize]] what has been done this day in [[Jerusalem]]! I tell you, if this man were not from [[God]], he could not do this. " And as the [[Sanhedrin|Sanhedrists]] departed in [[anger]] and [[confusion]], they shouted to him: " You were altogether [[born]] in [[sin]], and do you now [[presume]] to teach us? Maybe you were not really [[born]] blind, and even if your eyes were opened on the [[Sabbath]] day, this was done by the power of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beezlebub prince of devils]. " And they went at once to the [[synagogue]] to cast out Josiah.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_9]

164:4.12 Josiah entered this [[trial]] with meager [[ideas]] about [[Jesus]] and the [[nature]] of his [[healing]]. Most of the daring [[testimony]] which he so cleverly and [[courageously]] bore before this supreme [[tribunal]] of all [[Israel]] [[developed]] in his [[mind]] as the [[trial]] [[proceeded]] along such unfair and unjust lines.

==164:5. TEACHING IN SOLOMON'S PORCH==

164:5.1 All of the time this [[Sabbath]]-breaking session of the [[Sanhedrin]] was in [[progress]] in one of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple the temple] chambers, [[Jesus]] was walking about near at hand, [[teaching]] the people in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon%27s_Porch Solomon's Porch], [[hoping]] that he would be [[summoned]] before the [[Sanhedrin]] where he could tell them the [[Gospel|good news]] of the [[liberty]] and [[joy]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40 divine sonship] in [[the kingdom]] of [[God]]. But they were [[afraid]] to send for him. They were always disconcerted by these sudden and [[public]] [[appearances]] of [[Jesus]] in [[Jerusalem]]. The very occasion they had so ardently sought, [[Jesus]] now gave them, but they [[feared]] to bring him before the [[Sanhedrin]] even as a [[witness]], and even more they [[feared]] to [[arrest]] him.

164:5.2 This was midwinter in [[Jerusalem]], and the people sought the partial [[shelter]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon's_Porch Solomon's Porch]; and as [[Jesus]] lingered, the crowds asked him many [[questions]], and he taught them for more than two hours. Some of the [[Jewish]] [[teachers]] sought to entrap him by publicly asking him: " How long will you hold us in [[suspense]]? If you are [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah], why do you not plainly tell us? " Said [[Jesus]]: " I have told you about myself and [[Universal Father|my Father]] many times, but you will not [[believe]] me. Can you not see that the works I do in my Father's name bear [[witness]] for me? But many of you [[believe]] not because you belong not to my fold. The [[teacher]] of [[truth]] [[attracts]] only those who [[hunger]] for the [[truth]] and who [[thirst]] for [[righteousness]]. My sheep hear my [[voice]] and I know them and they follow me. And to all who follow my [[teaching]] I give [[eternal]] life; they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. [[Universal Father|My Father]], who has given me these [[children]], is greater than all, so that no one is able to pluck them out of [[Universal Father|my Father]]'s hand. The Father and I are one. " Some of the unbelieving [[Jews]] rushed over to where they were still building [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple the temple] to pick up stones to cast at [[Jesus]], but the [[believers]] restrained them.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_10]

164:5.3 [[Jesus]] continued his [[teaching]]: " Many loving works have I shown you from [[the Father]], so that now would I [[inquire]] for which one of these [[good]] works do you [[think]] to stone me? " And then answered one of the [[Pharisees]]: " For no [[good]] [[work]] would we stone you but for [[blasphemy]], inasmuch as you, being a man, dare to make yourself [[equal]] with [[God]]. " And [[Jesus]] answered: " You charge the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] with [[blasphemy]] because you refused to [[believe]] me when I declared to you that I was sent by [[God]]. If I do not the works of God, [[believe]] me not, but if I do the works of God, even though you [[believe]] not in me, I should think you would believe the works. But that you may be certain of what I [[proclaim]], let me again [[assert]] that [[the Father]] is in me and I in the Father, and that, as the Father dwells in me, so will I dwell in every one who [[believes]] this [[gospel]]. " And when the people heard these [[words]], many of them rushed out to lay hands upon the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoning stones] to cast at him, but he passed out through the [[temple]] precincts; and meeting [[Nathaniel]] and [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], who had been in attendance upon the session of the [[Sanhedrin]], he waited with them near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple the temple] until Josiah came from the [[council]] chamber.

164:5.4 [[Jesus]] and the two [[apostles]] did not go in search of Josiah at his [[home]] until they heard he had been cast out of the [[synagogue]]. When they came to his house, [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] called him out in the yard, and [[Jesus]], [[speaking]] to him, said: " Josiah, do you [[believe]] in the [[Son of God]]? " And Josiah answered, " Tell me who he is that I may [[believe]] in him. " And [[Jesus]] said: " You have both seen and heard him, and it is he who now [[speaks]] to you. " And Josiah said, " Lord, I [[believe]], " and falling down, he [[worshiped]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_9]

164:5.5 When Josiah [[learned]] that he had been cast out of the [[synagogue]], he was at first greatly [[downcast]], but he was much [[encouraged]] when [[Jesus]] directed that he should [[immediately]] prepare to go with them to the camp at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella]. This [[simple]]-minded man of [[Jerusalem]] had indeed been cast out of a [[Jewish]] [[synagogue]], but behold the [[Creator Son|Creator]] of a [[universe]] [[leading]] him forth to become [[associated]] with the [[spiritual]] [[nobility]] of that day and [[generation]].

164:5.6 And now [[Jesus]] left [[Jerusalem]], not again to return until near the time when he [[prepared]] to [[Ascension|leave this world]]. With the two [[apostles]] and Josiah [[the Master]] went back to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella]. And Josiah proved to be one of the recipients of [[the Master]]'s [[miraculous]] ministry who turned out fruitfully, for he became a lifelong [[preacher]] of the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]].

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[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]